System, apparatus, and method configured to improve athletic performance in sports aimed at hitting a ball over a net

ABSTRACT

A device configured to encourage a tennis player to hit a tennis ball higher over a tennis net includes a pair of telescoping rods. Each pair of telescoping rods can include an inner segment and an outer segment. The outer segment can surround at least a portion of the inner segment. The outer segment can be movable with respect to the lower rod to at least one raised position and at least one lowered position. The lower rod of each telescoping rod can be attached to a vertical support post at opposing ends of a tennis net or directly to the tennis net. At least one fastener can be attached to the outer segment of each pair of telescoping rods. A string can attach the at least one fastener of each telescoping rod. The string can extend above and generally parallel to a top surface of the tennis net.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 63/261,377 titled “SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD CONFIGURED TOIMPROVE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE IN SPORTS AIMED AT HITTING A BALL OVER ANET” and filed on Sep. 20, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No.63/211,609 titled “SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD CONFIGURED TO IMPROVEATHLETIC PERFORMANCE IN SPORTS AIMED AT HITTING A BALL OVER A NET” andfiled on Jun. 17, 2021, the entire disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

The presently disclosed technology relates to improving performance inathletic activities. More particularly, the presently disclosedtechnology relates to an addition or an attachment to a net, or aportion or extension thereof, which encourages and/or guides an athleteto hit a ball to and/or above a certain height or point above the net.

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

It can be challenging for children, students, or athletes to learn orexcel at sports that require hitting a ball over a net, such as tennis.For example, students often hit the ball into the net too much.

One prior art system that attempts to address the above issue is theAirzone System, and is shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. There are severaldrawbacks with this prior art system. For example, the Airzone Systemcan be difficult or awkward to set-up, and can be fragile when set-up.The Airzone System is precariously attached to the net (see FIG. 1B),where an upper strap connects to a pole and a lower strap connectsdirectly to the net.

Further, the Airzone System has fixed-length support rods and thereforeonly a single height, thereby limiting the ability to adjust the heightbased on the learning need of the athlete or student. If a user of theAirzone System were to try to raise the device with respect to the net,it would compromise the stability of the system and would undesirablyput more stress on the net, which tennis operators always try to avoid.Also, this suspension may only be temporary as the pole can still slipback to the ground as the tennis net may not continually support thepole.

In use, each of the single, vertical support at each side or end of theAirzone System sags. This sag would worsen if a user were to attempt toraise the Airzone System, which has metal poles. Also, the AirzoneSystem includes a second, smaller net above the conventional tennis net.This second, higher net can prevent or stop rallies, which can beundesirable when playing with or instructing young players orinexperienced players.

Another prior art system is shown in FIG. 2 , which consists ofextending a rope above the net and hanging flags from the rope. Thissystem can also be difficult or awkward to set-up, at least in partbecause it requires posts or supports to attach the rope. Further, thehanging flags can inadvertently disrupt the path of a tennis ball thatotherwise could allow the athlete to continue to practice. The prior artsystem in FIG. 2 also does not allow for adjustability withoutcompromising stability and functionality.

BRIEF SUMMARY

There is a need to create a system, apparatus, or method to encourage orteach athletes to hit (or more consistently hit) a ball over a net.There is also a need to create a system, apparatus, or method that isdurable, easy and quick to set-up, can be set-up and removed in arepeatable manner, and is readily adjustable to accommodate athletes ofdifferent ages, heights, and/or ability levels. The above and otherneeds are addressed by the presently disclosed technology.

In one aspect, the presently disclosed technology is directed toallowing an athlete (e.g., a tennis or volleyball player) to practicehitting the ball higher over the net. This device, by providing a visualtarget, allows the student to have a practical way to hit the ballhigher over the net and more consistently achieve the goal of hittingthe ball deeper into the opponent's side of the court. The optionaltelescoping function allows the height of the net to be adjusted for theathlete's age, height, and/or skill level.

In another aspect, the presently disclosed technology is directed to adevice configured to encourage a tennis player to hit a tennis ballhigher over a tennis net. The device can include a pair of telescopingrods. Each pair of telescoping rods can include an inner segment and anouter segment. The outer segment can surround at least a portion of theinner segment. The outer segment can be movable with respect to thelower rod to at least one raised position and at least one loweredposition. The lower rod of each telescoping rod can be attached to avertical support post at opposing ends of a tennis net, directly to thetennis net, and/or a base plate on the ground. At least one fastener canbe attached to the outer segment of each pair of telescoping rods. Astring can attach the at least one fastener of each telescoping rod. Thestring can extend above and parallel to a top surface of the tennis net.

In yet another aspect, the presently disclosed technology can be storedand/or transported in a compact and efficient manner, and then expandedand/or unrolled (e.g., like a scroll) to quickly set-up with aconventional tennis net, for example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofthe presently disclosed technology, will be better understood when readin conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numeralsdesignate like elements throughout. For the purpose of illustrating thepresently disclosed technology, there are shown in the drawings variousillustrative embodiments. It should be understood, however, that thepresently disclosed technology is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a system according to the prior art;

FIG. 1B is a magnified view of a portion of the system shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another system according to the priorart;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a system or device in accordance withone embodiment of the presently disclosed technology, wherein the systemor device is shown laying on the ground and not attached to a net or aportion thereof;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the system or device shownin FIG. 3 ;

FIG. 5 is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the system ordevice shown in FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 is a magnified view of a portion of the system or device shown inFIG. 3 ;

FIG. 7 is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the system ordevice shown in FIG. 3 , wherein the portion is shown in a disassembledconfiguration;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the system or device shown in FIG. 3 ,wherein the system or device is shown in a use-configuration and twoseparate and/or spaced-apart levels extend across but above the net;

FIG. 9 is a magnified perspective view of the system or device shown inFIG. 8 ;

FIG. 10 is a schematic or elevation view of a portion of the system ordevice in accordance with one embodiment of the presently disclosedtechnology;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of at least a portion of system or deviceaccording to another embodiment of the presently disclosed technology,wherein the system or device is shown in a use-configuration and onlyone level extends across but above the net;

FIG. 12 is a magnified view of a portion of the system or device shownin FIG. 11 ;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the system or device shown in FIG. 11 ,wherein a fastener is not used to pull the single level or string taut;and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the system or device shown in FIG. 11 ,wherein at least one fastener is used on each end or side to pull thesingle level or string taut.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While systems, devices and methods are described herein by way ofexamples and embodiments, those skilled in the art recognize that thepresently disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiments ordrawings described. Rather, the presently disclosed technology coversall modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within thespirit and scope of the appended claims. Features of any one embodimentdisclosed herein can be omitted or incorporated into another embodiment.

Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and arenot meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As usedherein, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaninghaving the potential to) rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaningmust). Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and“the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read asmeaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above,derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring now in detail to the various figures, wherein like referencenumerals refer to like parts throughout, FIGS. 3-9 illustrate anoptional embodiment of a system or device, generally designated 10,according to the presently disclosed technology. In one optionalembodiment, the device 10 is used in conjunction with and/or attached toa portion of a tennis net, generally designated 100 (see FIGS. 8 and 9 )to encourage or teach a tennis player to hit a tennis ball apredetermined height (e.g., 1 foot or 2 feet) over a tennis net.However, the device 10 can be employed with other types of nets or forother types of activities, such as but not limited to volleyball,pickleball, table tennis, or badminton.

FIGS. 3-7 show one embodiment of the system or device 10 not attached toor near a net, such as a tennis net. But those of ordinary skill in theart can appreciate the various ways this system or device can attach toor interact with various portions of a net or its supporting structure.FIG. 8 shows one way to attach the device 10 can attach to and/orinteract with the net 100 or a portion thereof. Those skilled in the artunderstand that a tennis net includes a net or net body (e.g., formed ofa mesh or interconnected strings), a headband that runs across the topof the net, side and bottom bands, and a cable. Posts can be attached toone or more of these components, and the posts can extend into theground for stability. A crank is often attached to each post to pull thenet tightly between the posts.

In one embodiment, the device 10 includes at least a pair of telescopingrods, each generally designated 12. Each rod 12 can be located at ornear each opposing end of the device 10 and/or the net 100. Thetelescoping capability of the rods 12 allows for the height of thedevice 10 to be selectively raised or lowered, depending upon the age,height, and/or athletic ability, for example, of the athlete, withoutneeding or requiring to remove or detach the device 10 from the net 100.The telescoping capability of the rods 12 also allows for this heightadjustment without sacrificing stability or durability of the device 10with respect to the net 100. In other words, a lower end of each rod 12can optionally maintain contact with the ground even when the totalheight is increased.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7 , each pair of telescoping rods 12 caninclude at least a first or inner segment 14 and a second or outersegment 16. Optionally, each segment 14, 16 can be in the form oftubular polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe or another rigid or structurallystable material. The segments 14, 16 can have different diameters. Forexample, the inner segment 14 can have a diameter of 1 inch, while theouter segment 16 can have a correspondingly slightly larger diameter.

In one optional embodiment, the outer segment 16 can optionally be thelower segment and surrounds at least a portion of the inner segment 14.The outer segment 16 can be vertically movable and/or rotatable withrespect to the inner segment 14 to at least one raised position and atleast one lowered position.

In another optional embodiment, the inner segment 14 (i.e., with asmaller diameter) can be the lower segment while the outer segment 16(i.e., with the bigger diameter) can be the upper segment. In otherwords, the diameter of the tubing that attaches to or goes into the net,for example, is smaller than the diameter of tubing that extendsvertically above the net 100. In this optional embodiment, the smallerdiameter segment can fit more easily within and/or through the net 100in a zigzag or threaded manner, for example. A length of the innersegment can be different than the outer segment. For example, the innersegment can have a length of approximately or exactly 7 feet, and thelower segment can have a length of approximately or exactly 3 feet.These lengths have been found to create a stable support structure whilealso being configured to be collapsible to a size that is conducive totravel and/or storage.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 7 , the first segment 14 can fully orcompletely separate from the second segment 16. This is beneficial forstorage and/or travel, where the device 10 is able to become quitecompact in a short period of time. Another benefit of the presentlydisclosed technology is that it allows one of the segments to moveupward to raise the overall height of the device, without requiring theother segment to move upward from the ground surface. A further benefitof the present technology is that the relatively short and rigid segment14, 16 resist or avoid sagging, warping, and/or bending, which cannot besaid for the Airzone System of the prior art. In contrast, a long shaftis more likely to sag or bend at some point along its length or height.

Each of the inner and outer segments 14, 16 can include one or aplurality of spaced-apart openings 18, 20 extending therethrough. Eachopening 18, 20 can be circular in shape, and can be of the same orsimilar diameter. Optionally, the openings 18, 20 are evenly spaced inboth the inner segments 14 and the outer segments 16, respectively. Inone embodiment, each opening 18, 20 extends completely through the innerand outer segments 14, 16, respectively, such that the openings 18, 20form a horizontal passageway through opposing portions of the outerperiphery of the inner and outer segments 14, 16. Alternatively, eachopening 18, 20 extends through only one wall of the respective segment14, 16.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7 , each inner segment 14 caninclude two or more (e.g., four) openings 18 (optionally evenly)spaced-apart along at least a portion thereof. The openings 18 provideboth a means to attach an extension or rope above the net 100, and ameans to stabilize the connection between the segments 14, 16.

Optionally, the openings 18 are located at or near an upper end or upperhalf of the inner segment 14. The openings 20 on each outer segment 16can be similarly or differently spaced and/or located along the outersegment 16. Placing and spacing the openings 18, 20 in this manner onthe inner and outer segments 14, 16, respectively, can provide increaseddurability and/or rigidity to the device 10 when assembled due to theoverlapping nature of the segment 14, 16. Optionally, the openings 18,20 can be configured to receive a dowel or cylindrical rod, for example,to fix the inner and outer segments 14, 16 from moving longitudinallywith respect to each other.

The device 10 can be used in conjunction with a net and/or attached to aportion of the net in any of a variety of ways. For example, the lowerrod of each telescoping rod can attach directly to a vertical supportpost at opposing ends of the net. One optional way to attach the rods 14to the net 100 or the vertical support posts is through straps or ahook-and-loop system, such as VELCRO™. Alternatively, the lower rod ofeach telescoping rod can be directly attached to the net, such as bythreading or weaving the lower rod through adjacent or proximatevertical openings of the net. Alternatively, the lower rod of eachtelescoping rod can be attached to a frame or base that is separateand/or movable with respect to the net. For example, at least a portionof the base can be square or rectangular in shape and a bottom surfaceof the base can be flat and sit directly on the ground. Each base canhave a predetermined weight to hold the device in place, or one or morefasteners can be attached to each base to hold the base in place on theground or with respect to the posts of the net.

As a comparison, if the Airzone System shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B israised to encourage a student to hit the ball higher, the bottom of thesupport shafts need to be moved upwardly, away from the ground, therebyresulting in the system being less stable or wobbly. That drawback ofthe prior art is overcome by the telescoping capability of the rods ofthe presently disclosed invention. In addition, the PVC or other similarmaterial used to form the rods prevents sag or bend of the rods in use.

In one optional embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , at least onefastener 22 can be removably attached to at least the outer segment 16of each pair of telescoping rods 12. Optionally, at least a portion ofthe at least one fastener 22 extends through both the outer and innersegments 16, 14 of each pair of telescoping rods 12. The at least onefastener 22 can be in the form of an eye hook having a shaft and an eye.The at least one fastener 22 that can be selectively inserted or removedfrom the respective outer and inner segments 16, 14, depending upon theneeds of the student. In one embodiment, the at least one fastener 22extends completely through each of the inner and outer segments 14, 16,such that a free end of the shaft is exposed on one side of the segments14, 16, and the eye is exposed on the opposing side of the segments 14,16.

Optionally, the at least one fastener can include at least two or morefasteners 22 attached to at least the outer segment 16 of each pair oftelescoping rods 12. The at least two fasteners 22 can be spaced-apartsuch that a first one of the at least two fasteners 22 is verticallyspaced above a second one of the at least two fasteners 22, as shown inFIG. 4 .

In one embodiment, at least one string or rope 24 can be attached to theat least one fastener 22 of each telescoping rod 12. When pulled taut,the string 24 extends above and generally parallel to a top surface ofthe net 100 and/or the ground surface. The string 24 may not extendexactly parallel to the top surface of the net 100 because of slight sagin the string 24 due to, in part, the material of the string 24. Butthose of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the string 24will extend “generally” or almost parallel to the top surface of the net100. For example, the string 24 can extend through the eye of thefastener 22 on one of the telescoping rods 12 and to and through the eyeof another fastener on the other telescoping rod 12. In one optionalembodiment, a simple knot can secure the string 24 to one or each of thefasteners 22. Assembly of the string 24 can be done quickly and easilyby a user when setting-up the device at a tennis court, and the heightof each fastener 22 can be adjusted depending upon the age, height,and/or skill level of the athlete.

Optionally, the string 24 can extend between two upper fasteners 22 andbetween two lower fasteners 22 from one of the telescoping rods 12 tothe other. In such a configuration, the device 10 appears or has twoseparate and/or spaced-apart levels that extend across but above thenet. See FIGS. 8 and 9 . The two levels of string 24 extending acrossand above the net 100 can provide a better visual target for the studentor player.

The string 24 can be comprised of two or more separate and distinctpieces, or one continuous piece. In one embodiment, when fullyassembled, there is no netting between an upper, horizontally-extendingportion of the string 24 and a lower, horizontally-extending portion ofthe string 24. Optionally, the upper, horizontally-extending portion ofthe string 24 can be located exactly or approximately 2 feet above thetop surface of the net.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of the presently disclosed technology.Similar or identical structure as between the embodiment of FIGS. 3-9and the embodiment of FIG. 10 is distinguished in FIG. 10 by a referencenumber with a magnitude one hundred (100) greater than that of FIGS. 3-9. Description of certain similarities between the embodiment of FIGS.3-9 and the embodiment of FIG. 10 may be omitted herein for convenienceand brevity only.

One difference between the embodiment of FIG. 10 and the embodiment ofFIGS. 3-9 is that the telescoping rods 112 include at least threedistinct segments. The upper segment can have a diameter larger than themiddle segment, which can have a diameter larger than the lower segment.

FIGS. 11-14 show another embodiment of the presently disclosedtechnology. Similar or identical structure as between the embodiment ofFIGS. 3-9 and the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14 is distinguished in FIGS.11-14 by a reference number with a magnitude two hundred (200) greaterthan that of FIGS. 3-9 . Description of certain similarities between theembodiment of FIGS. 3-9 and the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14 may be omittedherein for convenience and brevity only.

One difference between the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14 and the embodimentof FIGS. 3-9 is that each fastener 222 used to secure the string or rope224 to one of the rods 212 can be in the form of a cord lock. A cordlock 222 allows the string 224 to be tightened or maintained tautwithout the use of knots or putting too much stress or bend on the rods212. At least one cord lock 222 at each rod 212 allows the rope 224 tobe more taut, as opposed to the Airzone System that necessitatesstretching or moving the poles to accomplish the string being more taut.

Each cord lock 222 can include a barrel, a toggle (e.g., a plunger), anda spring. When the barrel and the toggle squeezed together or moved atleast slightly toward each other, the grip on the string 224 or tensionin the string 224 can be released and the cord lock 222 can move freelyup and down (e.g., along) the string 224. When the barrel and the toggleare released or allowed to move at least slightly away from each otherby the force of the spring, the cord lock 222 clamps onto the string 224and the cord lock 222 stays in place with respect to the string 224. Inthis locked position, when the cord lock 222 is positioned next to oneof the rods 212, the string 224 maintains the tension by the cord lock222 touching or engaging the rod 212.

Another difference between the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14 and theembodiment of FIGS. 3-9 is that the string 224 can extend the cord lock222 on one rod 212 to the cord lock 222 on the opposing rod 212. In sucha configuration, the device 10 appears or has only one level thatextends across but above the net. See FIGS. 11 and 12 . Optionally,during use, the instructor can hit the ball below the string 224 (butabove the net) and the student can hit the ball above the string 224.Thus, the instructor can send the ball to the student in a fast-past ormatch-like manner, while the student can work on lofting the ball abovethe string 224. The adjustable nature of the rods 212 allows thevertical distance between the string 224 and the net to be changed ormodified without sacrificing the stability of the system, which is notpossible with the Airzone System. The ability to adjust this verticaldistance may be necessary or beneficial to allow recurring ball returnsfrom the instructor and/or an adequate challenge for the student. Asexplained above, it can be difficult or awkward to adjust the poleposition of the Airzone System to increase this vertical distance.

FIG. 13 shows the system prior to the cord locks 222 being used orengaged. As such, the string 224 is not pulled taut and sags in or atleast the middle of the net, even though portions of the string 224 nearthe rods 212 are higher. FIG. 14 shows the system with the cord locks222 being used or engaged, such that the string 224 is pulled taut andextends parallel or generally parallel to the top surface of the net.

The following exemplary embodiments further describe optional aspects ofthe presently disclosed technology and are part of this DetailedDescription. These exemplary embodiments are set forth in a formatsubstantially akin to claims, although they are not technically claimsof the present application. The following exemplary embodiments refer toeach other in dependent relationships as “embodiments” instead of“claims.”

1A. A device for attaching to a net, the device comprising:

adjustable rods placed at or near either end of the net; and

one or more strings extending horizontally above the net.

2A. The device of embodiment 1A, wherein the adjustable rods aretelescoping.

1B. A method of teaching or encouraging an athlete to hit a ball apredetermined distance above a net, the method comprising:

attaching a first telescoping tube to one end of a net or to a firstpost at the one end of the net;

attaching a second telescoping tube to another end of the net or to asecond post at the other end of the net;

attaching a string from the first telescoping tube to the secondtelescoping tube; and

pulling the string tight so that the string extends parallel to a topsurface of the net and a predetermined distance above the net.

2B. The method of embodiment 1B, wherein the step of attaching thestring to the first and second telescoping tubes comprises feeding thestring through an eye hook extending through each of the first andsecond telescoping tubes.

Features of the various embodiments described herein can be omitted orincluded in other embodiments.

While the presently disclosed technology has been described in detailand with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent toone skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It isunderstood, therefore, that the presently disclosed technology is notlimited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended tocover modifications within the spirit and scope of the presentlydisclosed technology as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device configured to encourage a tennis playerto hit a tennis ball a predetermined distance above a tennis net, thedevice comprising: a pair of spaced-apart telescoping rods, eachtelescoping rod including an inner segment and an outer segment, theouter segment surrounding at least a portion of the inner segment, theouter segment being movable with respect to the inner segment to atleast one raised position and at least one lowered position, one of theinner and outer segments of each telescoping rod being attached to i) avertical support post at opposing ends of a tennis net or ii) directlyto the tennis net; a string extending between the telescoping rods, thestring extending above and generally parallel to a top surface of thetennis net; and at least one fastener removably attached to the stringproximate each telescoping rod, each fastener being movable with respectto the respective telescoping rod.
 2. The device of claim 1, whereineach fastener is a cord lock.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein eachcord lock includes a barrel movable with respect to a toggle.
 4. Thedevice of claim 1, the at least one fastener is an eye hook.
 5. Thedevice of claim 4, wherein the at least one fastener includes at leasttwo fasteners extending through the inner and outer segments of eachpair of telescoping rods, the at least two fasteners attached to eachpair of telescoping rods being spaced-apart such that a first one of theat least two fasteners being vertically spaced above a second one of theat least two fasteners.
 6. The device of claim 5, the string extendsbetween the first one of the at least two fasteners on opposingtelescoping rods and extends between the second one of the at least twofasteners on opposing telescoping rods.
 7. The device of claim 6,wherein there is no netting between an upper, horizontally-extendingportion of the string and a lower, horizontally-extending portion of thestring.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the upper,horizontally-extending portion of the string is located approximately 2feet above the top surface of the tennis net.
 9. The device of claim 1,wherein each of the inner and outer segments includes a plurality ofspaced-apart holes extending therethrough.
 10. The device of claim 1,wherein each inner and outer segment is formed of PVC pipe.
 11. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the string can be raised or lowered withrespect to the ground by adjusting the position of the outer segmentwith respect to the inner segment on either or both telescoping rods.12. The device of claim 1, wherein each inner and outer segmentsincludes a plurality of spaced-apart holes extending therethrough, eachhole being configured to receive at least a portion of the at least onefastener.
 13. A device configured to encourage an athlete to hit orthrow a ball a predetermined distance above a net, the devicecomprising: a pair of spaced-apart telescoping rods, each telescopingrod including an inner segment and an outer segment, the outer segmentsurrounding at least a portion of the inner segment, the outer segmentbeing movable with respect to the lower rod, the lower rod of eachtelescoping rod being attached to a vertical support post at opposingends of a net or directly to the net; a string extending between thetelescoping rods, the string extending above and generally parallel to atop surface of the tennis net; and a cord lock attached to the stringproximate each telescoping rod, in combination the cord locks beingconfigured to maintain the string in a taut configuration between thepair of telescoping rods, wherein the pair of telescoping rods arelocated between the two cord locks along the string, and wherein thestring can be raised or lowered with respect to the ground by adjustingthe position of the outer segment with respect to the inner segment oneither or both telescoping rods.
 14. The device of claim 13, whereineach cord lock includes a barrel movable with respect to a toggle. 15.The device of claim 14, wherein each cord lock includes a spring. 16.The device of claim 13, wherein each rod is a PVC tube.
 17. The deviceof claim 13, wherein each cord lock is movable with respect to therespective telescoping rod.